Balance, ankle joint proprioception, and functional ankle stability variations during different menstrual cycle phases in professional female soccer players

Background Hormonal fluctuations have been linked with ligamentous laxity and alteration in tendon stiffness. However, no previous study specifically assessed the ankle functions and balance across menstrual cycle phases among female soccer players. The current study aims to compare the repeated measures of ankle joint functional instability, proprioception, and static and dynamic balance during the menstrual cycle phases in healthy female soccer players. Methods Eighteen healthy professional female soccer players with a mean (±SD) age of 24.94 ± 4.75 years and BMI of 22.39 ± 3.2 participated in the study. The study was conducted using an observational method with four repeated measurements covering ovulation, mid-luteal, late-luteal, and early follicular phases. Balance Error Scoring System, Star Excursion Balance Test (eight directions), Ankle Proprioception, and Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool were the outcome measures used in the study, which were measured in each phase. A one-way repeated measure ANOVA and Friedman's test were used to assess significant differences in the outcome measures. Results There was no statistical difference in all of the outcome measures bilaterally (P ≥ 0.05) during the menstrual cycle phases. Conclusion Different menstrual cycle phases do not affect ankle joint functionality and balance in healthy soccer players. Additionally, no clinically meaningful difference was detected in most of the variables. However, the results should be interpreted with caution as there is a lack of reference scores in some of the variables.